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Certificate in Bilingual Skills at CLaSS
'Thank you so much: we have not only learned so much about interpreting but also gained a lot of general knowledge about public services in the UK.' A past student.
Context
ClaSS is the Local Authority adult education provider in east London. They run approximately 2,000 courses across the borough in a wide range of subjects including work-based training. As well as the Certificate in Bilingual Skills they offer the Certificate in Community Interpreting in addition to language classes ranging from Arabic to Yiddish! This year they have six Polish and four French candidates.
Key Objectives
To offer a course for able linguists and native speakers which could lead to a career in interpreting and translating.
How the programme is organised
Most of the learners on the CBS course are in their twenties but they often have older learners. The age range on the current course is from: 19 to 56. In the five years they have recently been running the course learners have included speakers of Russian, Czech, Turkish, Polish, French, Spanish and Urdu. Initially the course tended to focus on the traditional community languages but in recent years this has shifted to include the languages of the new EU member states and Polish in particular. Most of the learners are either fully or almost fully bilingual coming mostly from other countries but having settled in the UK and spent some time learning English.
'Almost every year however, we have a native English speaker who simply loves languages and has become proficient in at least one additional language.' Angela Diamond, Head of Teaching and Learning, Community Learning and Skills Service (CLaSS)
The CBS, as taught by CLaSS, is very vocationally orientated as most learners see it as the starting point of a career in interpreting and translating. They are keen to use their proficiency in languages in a professional capacity. Tutors considering running this course would need a good grasp of the principles and practice of basic translation and interpretation as well as a reasonable idea of how public services operate. Knowledge of the languages covered is not necessary but occasional support and input on these from native speakers is needed. It is extremely common for participants to have a spiky profile. The difference between oral and written skills, for example, is often marked. The tutor needs to be able to diagnose and address these individual differences. Accurate initial assessment is also crucial as learners will need a good level in both languages to pass the CBS.
'…the focus of the CBS is on public services. This means that in written translation we are working with real public information, while oral practice is based on the kind of exchanges which take place in public service contexts.' Georgia Smith, tutor, CBS.
Through class visits they have developed contacts within local services and authorities such as translation agencies and local courts.
Issues/Tips
One of the main issues in running the CBS is the availability of materials. A good bank of materials is essential, particularly translated public information to enable learners to develop a critical approach. In the years CLaSS has been running the CBS there has been an increasing shortage of public information in other languages. However, some agencies, such as NHS Direct and Multi Kulti, have a good range of translated material and there are some regional local authorities in Scotland and Ireland which provide a range of information in different languages. All the aforementioned also have good websites.
Other essential resources needed for the course are:
- Good quality dictionaries
- Writing Guides (Including sections of formal letters)
- Grammar Activities to address particular needs
- Public service glossaries
Results/effect
'This course offers real opportunity for all those who participate.'
The course enables English and Foreign language tutors to keep up to date with their other language. It also offers tutors the opportunity to analyse written and oral language at a high level. This facilitates the improved teaching of other languages, particularly with respect to writing skills. Much foreign language and English teaching in London is for learners at Level 1 and below. It is extremely stimulating for tutors to work at higher levels, becoming involved in technical discussions about best use of language not possible at lower levels.
Some learners have gone on to the next level: the DPSI. Others have started degrees in interpreting and translation. Many simply attain the confidence to apply for jobs outside this field. ClaSS has achieved the best IoLET results for the CBS for the past two years and also won best candidate in 2006/2007.
Future developments
'We would like to broaden further the Interpretation and translation courses we offer particularly in view of the 2012 Olympics. We plan to facilitate local people’s employment in the Olympics through our courses.' Georigia Smith, tutor.
Author: Georigia Smith, tutor, ClaSS, Waltham Forest.
